Madurai District Research Articles

IJCM_183A: Assessment of treatment adherence among type 2 diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Madurai district, Tamil Nadu – A cross-sectional study

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a major public health problem in India affecting around 77 million people above the age of 18 years. Poor adherence to medication regimen increases the probability of micro and macrovascular complications among them thereby increasing the mortality and morbidity. Therefore, assessing adherence is the need of the hour to tide over this crisis and hence present study was conducted Objectives: : 1. To assess the prevalence of treatment adherence among Type 2 DM patients >18years attending tertiary care hospital, Madurai 2. To identify the factors associated with treatment adherence among the study population Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 208 adult Type 2 DM patients with minimum duration of 6 months attending tertiary care hospital in Madurai during October 2023 by consecutive sampling. Sample size was calculated based on a study in Delhi in 2019. After obtaining informed consent, patients were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaire containing sociodemographic details and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8), a standard, validated questionnaire to assess treatment adherence. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: The mean age of the participants was 53±10.92 years and majority of them were males (54.8%). 50.5% received primary education and 38.9% belonged to class III Socio-Economic Status (SES). More than half (66.8%) had duration of diabetes between 6months to 3.5 years. 58.2% had good adherence while 29.8% and 12% had moderate and poor adherence respectively. Statistically significant association was not found between adherence and age, gender, SES and duration of diabetes except for the level of education (p value: 0.002). Factors associated with poor adherence were forgetfulness (92%) and being busy (64%). Conclusion: Sustained IEC activities are needed at all levels of health care to further improve the treatment adherence and also addressing the reasons for non-adherence

IJCM_259A: Non-communicable disease (NCD) programme -factors influencing awareness and utilization of the services among adults of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu- a community based cross-sectional study.

Background: Healthcare at people’s doorstep called Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM) scheme was launched by Tamil Nadu Government in 2021 to further improve the access to NCD care by ensuring door step blood sugar & blood pressure screening, drug delivery by designated trained manpower called Women Health Volunteers (WHV). Assessing the programme awareness and its utilization at this juncture is the need of the hour. Hence, the present study was conducted. Objectives: 1. To assess the awareness about MTM scheme among adults >30 years in the field practice area, Madurai district 2. To determine the factors influencing awareness and utilization of MTM services Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was done among 165 adults of >30 years in field practice area of our department in October 2023. By cluster sampling, participants were interviewed using a pre-structured validated questionnaire containing socio-demographic details and data to assess awareness and factors influencing awareness and utilization of MTM services. Data were entered in MS Excel and analysed using SPSS. Results: Mean age was 54±13.60 years. 60% were females, 83% were literates,63% were employed.80% were aware about the scheme and 74% awareness was through healthcare workers,98% preferred door to door services. Awareness regarding lifestyle modifications, breast, cervix and oral cancer screening were 56%,40%,39% and 20% respectively. There is statistically significant association between MTM awareness and age, occupation, blood sugar and blood pressure check-up in the last one year. By multiple logistic regression, awareness among those 50 yrs. Those with awareness had 2.62 times odds of utilization of services as compared to those without awareness. Conclusion: There is a good awareness and utilization of MTM services. To sustain this, IEC activities can be done at regular intervals with special emphasis on cancer screening.

Investigating the Quality of Water Available in Surya Nagar of Madurai District in Tamil Nadu, India

Investigating the Quality of Water Available in Surya Nagar of Madurai District in Tamil Nadu, India

VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WITH REFERENCE TO THE PERCEIVED PREPAREDNESS OF COLLEGE STUDENTS IN MADURAI DISTRICT: A STUDY

This study examines college student’s readiness for a newly introduced virtual learning environment by analyzing factors influencing their skills and attitudes towards web-based courses. Grounded in the technology acceptance model, the research explores user acceptance and behavior among students in Madurai district, known for their regular internet and computer usage. Focusing on moderate to heavy technology users, the study aims to illuminate their readiness and willingness to adopt virtual learning platforms. Key findings indicate widespread engagement of undergraduate students with virtual learning environments, particularly through platforms like the National Digital Library of India (NDL) and Study Webs of Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM). Email emerges as the predominant internet activity, crucial for student communication. Moreover, a significant number of students demonstrate awareness and active use of NDL and other open education resources, underscoring their seamless integration into academic routines.

Functional Food Knowledge Among College Students

The Knowledge of potential health benefits is always associated with consuming functional foods. The Knowledge includes understanding how certain compounds or nutrients in functional foods may positively impact physiological functions, contribute to disease prevention, and support overall well-being. This study investigates the level of Knowledge regarding functional foods among college students and explores factors influencing their awareness and dietary choices. A diverse sample of college students from various disciplines participated in a survey to assess their understanding of functional foods, including their definitions, health benefits, and sources. Findings indicate a fair and moderate level of Knowledge of functional foods, with variations based on age and gender factors. The study is descriptive in nature and based on the survey method. A hundred college students from the Madurai District colleges were randomly selected to measure their functional food knowledge. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information from the students. The collected data were coded, analysed and presented in frequency tables using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS package v.26.Social media. Educational interventions emerged as influential sources shaping students’ awareness and dietary behaviours. The study found that ninety-eight per cent of the students regularly included fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. The study found that college students possess a fair to moderate level of knowledge regarding functional foods, and gender and age strongly correlate with their knowledge of available food. The study recommended that there are opportunities for further research to explore the effectiveness of various educational interventions, assess the long-term impact of improved Knowledge on dietary behaviours, and understand the influence of peer networks on the adoption of functional foods among college students.

Awareness on Artificial Intelligence Tools and Applications among Post Graduate Students in Madurai District

Awareness on Artificial Intelligence Tools and Applications among Post Graduate Students in Madurai District

Parental Socio-Economic Status on the Learning Achievement of the Primary School Students in Malaippati Village, Madurai District

The foundational level of the educational system is primary school. It deserves the highest priority to strengthen the knowledge of the children. The objective of this research is to ascertain how the socioeconomic status of primary school parents in Malaipatti village, Madurai district, affects the academic progress of their children. To fulfil this objective, the study analysed the socio-economic status of their parents, which is expected to have an impact on their ward’s academic performance, by assessing the skills of the students through various activities.

A quasi-experimental study to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching programme on knowledge regarding dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls at selected schools in Madurai district

Adolescence is indeed a transitional phase of growth and development that occurs between childhood and adulthood, typically spanning from 10 to 19 years of age, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). During this period, individuals undergo rapid physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes, which can influence their emotions, thoughts, decision-making abilities, and interactions with the world. It is worth noting that psychological factors, including anxiety and anger, may contribute to dysmenorrheal problems, which are painful menstrual cramps. However, as women age, dysmenorrheal often decreases and may completely resolve after childbirth. The study aims to assess the effectiveness of a structured teaching program in improving knowledge about dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls. By implementing this program, researchers seek to measure the impact it has on enhancing the understanding and awareness of dysmenorrhea among this specific population. The evaluation will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of structured teaching in improving knowledge about dysmenorrhea among adolescent girls.In a quasi-experimental research study conducted in the Madurai district, a one-group pre-test and post-test design was utilized. A simple random sample of 40 adolescent girls participated in the study. A structured teaching program was implemented, covering all aspects of dysmenorrhea. The knowledge of the adolescent girls was assessed both immediately before and a week after the structured teaching program. The results of the study indicated that the majority of the adolescent girls (47%) were 14 years old, and a significant proportion (62%) had no prior information about dysmenorrhea. In the pre-test, all of the adolescent girls (100%) demonstrated inadequate knowledge regarding dysmenorrhea. However, in the post-test, 80% of the participants showed adequate knowledge, while 20% had moderate knowledge on the subject. The paired t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge from the pre-test (10.3 ± 2.87) to the post-test (41.17 ± 8.75) (p < 0.05), indicating that the structured teaching program was effective in enhancing knowledge about dysmenorrhea among the adolescent girls in the study. The present study concludes that recently dysmenorrhea is a quite common problem all over the world affecting the quality of life of women significantly. Despite the growing awareness, there remains a considerable deficiency of knowledge on causes, treatment, and home remedies of dysmenorrhea. Further research is required for a large population including women from various backgrounds to better assess and strategize to manage this rising problem. It will help future mothers to take care of them during menstruation, and they will educate the future generation regarding dysmenorrhea.

Unveiling influencer mind: Exploring factors influencing paint brand preference in a competitive landscape in Madurai district

Unveiling influencer mind: Exploring factors influencing paint brand preference in a competitive landscape in Madurai district

Molecular detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi in ectoparasites & their small mammal hosts captured from scrub typhus endemic areas in Madurai district, India.

Scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi present in small mammals harbouring the ectoparasites. A study was undertaken to detect the pathogen present in small mammals and its ectoparasites in the scrub typhus-reported areas. The small mammals (rodents/shrews) and its ectoparasites were screened for O. tsutsugamushi using nested PCR amplification of the groEL gene. Small mammals were collected by trapping and screened for ectoparasites (mites, ticks and fleas) by combing method. All the chigger mites collected were tested negative for O. tsutsugamushi . Interestingly, adult non-trombiculid mites ( Oribatida sp., Dermanyssus gallinae ), fleas ( Xenopsylla astia, X. cheopis, Ctenophalides felis and Ctenophalides sp.) and ticks ( Rhipicephalus sanguineus , R. haemaphysaloides ) screened were found to be positive for O. tsutsugamushi , which the authors believe is the first report on these species globally. Bandicota bengalensis with O. tsutsugamushi infection is reported for the first time in India. The O. tsutsugamushi groEL sequences from the positive samples were similar to the reference strains, Karp and Ikeda and phylogenetically clustered in clade IV with less evolutionary divergence. The blood samples of Rattus rattus , Suncus murinus and B. bengalensis collected from this area were tested positive for O. tsutsugamushi ; interestingly, the sequence similarity was much pronounced with their ectoparasites indicating the transmission of the pathogen to host or vice versa . The outcome of the present investigations widened our scope on the pathogens present in ectoparasites and rodents/shrews from this area. This will help to formulate the required vector control methods to combat zoonotic diseases.

Investigating the factors affecting marketing of Jasmine in Madurai district

Investigating the factors affecting marketing of Jasmine in Madurai district

Dimensions of responsible tourism and quality of life

Responsible tourism consists in undertaking such activities that enable achieving growth in a way that either does not destroy the existing environment and protects the culture, history, heritage, and achievements of local communities. Besides, the attainment of responsible tourism requires careful management of tourists’ and residents’ behaviors to prevent deleterious effects on the environment, sociocultural setting and visitor satisfaction. This paper is aimed to evolve the factors influencing Dimensions of Responsible tourism and to validate Quality of Life (QOL). The study is made with selected 3 Districts in Tamilnadu respectively Madurai District, Tanjore District and Kanniyakumari District. The respondents are the residents who are located in the three districts nearing tourism spots ,250 Questionnaires were distributed to the respondents and only 225 respondents returned the full filled questionnaire. Through IBM SPSS the validity construction is ensured through the Percentage analysis, Descriptive Analysis and Confirmatory factor analysis. Reliability is measured with the consistency of each item score. These tests are guaranteed by representative samples and Convenience sampling method is used to analyse the study. Tourism can have both positive and negative impacts on the QOL of local communities. In general, the domains of QOL that are perceived to be positively affected are the economy, employment opportunities, community pride, cultural exchange, and availability of facilities

A study on impact of demography factor on consumer awareness on solar energy product

Solar power is a clean and green energy source produced from the sun’s light or heat. Unless fossil fuels are finite, solar energy can be sustained and is completely inexhaustible. It is also a non-polluting source of energy that produces no greenhouse emissions when it generates electricity. Electricity vendors and the government actively promote the use of solar products to meet rising demand and complete the transition to a sustainable economy. Consumers must be aware of the various solar products in order to be motivated to purchase them. As a result, the current study investigates consumer’s awareness of solar products in Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. The study is descriptive in nature, including both primary and secondary data for analysis. The respondents were proportionately chosen as a sample and the information of 300 respondents was accepted and used for analysis and interpretation. To determine the level of consumers awareness of solar products the study employed statistical techniques are simple percentage analysis and Chi-Square analysis. The level of consumers awareness has been examined in this study, and appropriate recommendations have been made to increase consumers awareness of solar products.

A study on perception of handloom weaver’s housing scheme with reference to Madurai District

A study on perception of handloom weaver’s housing scheme with reference to Madurai District

Risk Assessment for Non-Communicable Diseases among Adults of 18 to 29 years Age in a Rural Area of Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally. In India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reported a rise in mortality rates from 37% in 1990 to 61% in 2016. Additionally, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension among young adults was higher than estimated. As the behavioural risk factors are mainly established in adolescence, screening at an earlier age becomes essential. Aim: To estimate the risk for diabetes mellitus and hypertension among individuals aged 18-29 years and to assess the association between the risk factors and at-risk individuals. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the field practice area of Madurai Medical College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India, to estimate the risk for diabetes mellitus and hypertension among individuals aged 18-29 years. The National Health Mission (NHM) protocol was used for risk assessment, based on American Diabetic Association (ADA) and Joint National Committee (JNC) 8 guidelines. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 software. Results: A total of 154 residents were included in the study. The mean age of the study participants was 24.64±4.70 years. Approximately 60% of the study participants were males and 40% were females. A total of 54% of the participants were married. Most subjects had completed high school (33.8%), followed by 28.6% who completed postgraduation. Disease categorisation revealed that 54 (35%) were non-diabetics, 89 (58%) were pre-diabetics, and 11 (7%) had diabetes mellitus. Similarly, 24 (16%) were non-hypertensive, 115 (75%) had high normal values, and 15 (9%) had probable stage I hypertension. A statistically significant association was observed between hypertension and educational level, alcoholism, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), whereas diabetes mellitus was not significantly associated with any variables. The probabilistic prediction for hypertension using the logistic regression model included alcoholism and SBP, which contributed to 25.6% of the variations in prediction hypertension. Conclusion: The study results highlight a significant burden of undiagnosed cases of diabetes and hypertension in the community. This indicates the need for systematic screening, early lifestyle modifications, appropriate treatment, and regular follow-up for such individuals.

Investigation of sheep anthrax outbreak in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, India

Investigation of sheep anthrax outbreak in Madurai district of Tamil Nadu, India

Impacts of Rural Transformation on Occupational Structure and Earnings of the Migrants in Madurai District

Rural transformation has the potential to significantly impact the occupational structure and earnings of migrants. This study aims to examine the impact of rural transformation on occupational structure and earnings of migrants in Melur and T.Kallupatti taluks of Madurai district, Tamil Nadu, India. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques. Primary data is collected through household surveys and in-depth interviews with migrants, while secondary data is obtained from government records, census reports, and academic publications. The study finds that rural transformation has led to a shift in the occupational structure of migrants, with a decline in agricultural occupations and an increase in non-farm employment opportunities. Earnings of migrants have also increased as a result of rural transformation. The study concludes that rural transformation can have a positive impact on the occupational structure and earnings of migrants.

Gender Inequality and Discrimination: A Special Case of Local Community, with Reference to Local Commons in Madurai District of Tamilnadu

The present study focuses on gender inequality and discrimination within a local rural community, with special reference to common property resources. The rural population faces numerous challenges in collecting raw materials from these Common Property Resources (CPRs). Local inhabitants heavily rely on these common property land resources due to the cost-free and convenient access they provide for their daily sustenance and livelihood maintenance. However, in the area of concern, the majority or dominant community often controls or encroaches upon these common property resources. Gender inequality significantly impacts the livelihood and survival of the rural poor. This research was conducted in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, and involved over three hundred sample respondents. The study employed the simple percentage method and chi-square test for analytical purposes. The findings revealed that common property resources are highly available and accessible but are in poor condition in the study area. Additionally, caste and economic discrimination are prevalent issues within the local community.

Two new species of Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from southern India.

We describe two new species of Cnemaspis from Alagarkovil, Madurai District and Mekkarai, Shenkottai, Tenkasi, southern India, based on molecular and morphological data. The new species differ from their congeners by genetic divergences of 4.816.1% and 14.831.6% for the ND2 mitochondrial gene. Two new species belong to the Cnemaspis gracilis and Cnemaspis beddomei clades, respectively. Molecular data for the newly described Cnemaspis aaronbaueri from its type locality is also presented, and its phylogenetic position is established.

DIVERSITY OF STINGLESS BEES, Tetragonula sp. (HYMENOPTERA: APIDAE) IN TAMIL NADU, INDIA

The present study was conducted to find the diversity of stingless bees (Tetragonula sp.) in Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul, and Trichy districts in Tamil Nadu, India. Adult worker bees were collected from feral stingless bee colonies from 16 locations, four from each district. The collected stingless bees were preserved in 70% alcohol (ethanol) and examined under a Leica stereo zoom microscope. Seventeen morphometric key characteristics were measured to know the diversity of stingless bees. The results revealed that two species of stingless bees, Tetragonula iridipennis and T. laeviceps were prevalent in the four selected districts of Tamil Nadu. Four vital morphometric characters of the worker bees namely the head width, the forewing length, the hind tibial length, and the whole body length helped to distinguish the two Tetragonula sp. Among all the locations, the bees collected from L1- Insectary, TNAU, Coimbatore had much higher values of the above four morphometric characters (1.67mm ± 0.04, 3.69mm ± 0.02, 1.53mm ± 0.01 and 3.98mm ± 0.14 respectively) and were identified to be T. laeviceps based on these key morphometric characters. The bees from rest of the 15 locations which had the morphometric values 1.59 to 1.61 mm, 3.20 to 3.41mm, 1.34 to 1.43mm and 3.51 to 3.65mm respectively were categorized as T. iridipennis.